Sleeve splicing kit and method

Abstract

A kit and a method for splicing together porous sleeves are disclosed. The kit includes a release liner in the form of a non-porous membrane, preferably in the shape of an elongated tube. Adhesive and an adhesive applicator may also be included. The method includes the steps of inserting the release liner within an end of a first sleeve and then inserting that sleeve end into the end of a second sleeve. The outer surface of the first sleeve engages the inner surface of the second sleeve and defines an engagement zone having a predetermined length. The release liner extends along the engagement zone. Adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the second sleeve. The adhesive penetrates the second sleeve and bonds it to the first sleeve. The release liner acts as a barrier preventing the adhesive from bonding the first sleeve closed at the splice.

1. A kit for adhesively splicing porous sleeves together end to end using a flowable adhesive, a portion of one end of one sleeve being positioned within one end of a second sleeve, an outer surface of said one sleeve being engaged with an inner surface of said second sleeve over a predetermined length, said adhesive bonding said sleeves to one another substantially within a zone defined by said predetermined length to effect said splice, said kit comprising a non-porous, flexible membrane, said membrane being positionable within said one sleeve and extending substantially over said predetermined length, said membrane serving as a barrier to prevent said adhesive from penetrating through said one sleeve. 
     
     
       2. A kit according to  claim 1 , wherein said membrane comprises an elongated tube sized to fit substantially within said one sleeve. 
     
     
       3. A kit according to  claim 2 , wherein said elongated tube has a length greater than said predetermined length. 
     
     
       4. A kit according to  claim 1 , wherein said membrane is comprised of a synthetic resin. 
     
     
       5. A kit according to  claim 1 , wherein said membrane is comprised of polyethylene terepthalate. 
     
     
       6. A kit according to  claim 1 , further comprising said flowable adhesive. 
     
     
       7. A kit according to  claim 6 , further comprising an adhesive applicator. 
     
     
       8. A method of splicing an end of a first porous sleeve to an end of a second porous sleeve, said method comprising the steps of:
 providing a non-porous membrane;  
 inserting said membrane within said end of said first porous sleeve;  
 inserting said end of said first porous sleeve within said end of said second porous sleeve thereby engaging an outer surface of said first sleeve with an inner surface of said second sleeve in a zone extending over a predetermined length; and  
 applying adhesive between said first and second sleeves throughout said zone over a region overlying said membrane, said adhesive adhering said first and second sleeves to one another, said adhesive not penetrating said non-porous membrane.  
 
     
     
       9. A method according to  claim 8 , further including the step of applying pressure over said region. 
     
     
       10. A method according to  claim 8 , wherein a first pull tape is positioned within said first sleeve and a second pull tape is positioned within said second sleeve, said method further including the steps of:
 joining said first pull tape to said second pull tape; and  
 positioning said membrane between at least one of said pull tapes and said region over which adhesive is applied.  
 
     
     
       11. A method according to  claim 8 , further including the step of cutting said ends of said first and said second sleeves before said inserting step. 
     
     
       12. A method according to  claim 8 , wherein said first and second sleeves each have a visible identifier extending lengthwise therealong, said method further including the step of aligning said identifier on said first sleeve with said identifier on said second sleeve. 
     
     
       13. A protective sleeve comprising:
 a first segment formed of a plurality of interlaced filamentary members, said first segment having a first open end;  
 a non-porous, flexible membrane positioned within said first open end;  
 a second segment formed of a plurality of interlaced filamentary members, said second segment having a second open end, said first open end being positioned within said second open end such that an outwardly facing surface of said first segment engages an inwardly facing surface of said second segment over a predetermined length of said segments; and  
 an adhesive deposited between said outwardly and said inwardly facing surfaces, said adhesive being confined to a region defined by said membrane, said adhesive bonding said segments to one another.  
 
     
     
       14. A protective sleeve according to  claim 13 , wherein said filamentary members are interlaced by weaving. 
     
     
       15. A protective sleeve according to  claim 13 , wherein said filamentary members comprise monofilaments. 
     
     
       16. A protective sleeve according to  claim 13 , wherein said filamentary members are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene and polytetrafluoroethylene. 
     
     
       17. A protective sleeve according to  claim 13 , wherein said membrane comprises an elongated tube positioned substantially coaxially within said first segment. 
     
     
       18. A protective sleeve according to  claim 17 , wherein said elongated tube has a length greater than said predetermined length. 
     
     
       19. A method of splicing an end of a first porous sleeve to an end of a second porous sleeve, said method comprising the steps of:
 providing a non-porous membrane;  
 inserting said membrane within said end of said first porous sleeve;  
 inserting said end of said first porous sleeve within said end of said second porous sleeve thereby engaging an outer surface of said first sleeve with an inner surface of said second sleeve in a zone extending over a predetermined length; and  
 applying adhesive to said outer surface of said second sleeve throughout said zone over a region overlying said membrane, said adhesive penetrating said second sleeve and adhering said first and second sleeves to one another, said adhesive not penetrating said non-porous membrane.  
 
     
     
       20. A method according to  claim 19 , further including the step of applying pressure over said region.